15 Best Things to Do in Pesaro (Italy)

Pesaro is a gorgeous coastal town situated on the eastern side of Italy in the Marche region. Facing the Adriatic Sea, this city is the second most populated in the Marche region after Ancona with a current population of approximately 95,000. This city is lovingly known as the City of Bicycle due to its myriad of cycle paths, and also has a strong affinity with music and the arts. Due to its coastal location, Pesaro has a major fishing industry, but is also well-known for its furniture manufacturing.

The history of Pesaro spans back to the Roman era and was originally founded in 184 BC as a colony. During this era, it became an important trading post until the fall of the Roman Empire some 400 years later. In subsequent history, the city was ruled by the Ostrogoth’s, the Papal States and the House of Malatesta. Eventually as with other cities in The Marche, Pesaro was incorporated into the Kingdom of Italy in 1860.

As a tourist destination, Pesaro benefits from its fantastic stretch of golden beaches and is a popular location for Italians to visit during the summer months. Furthermore, the Parco Naturale del Monte San Bartolo is one of the most important in the region and is explored by thousands each year. Aside from the beach and natural landscapes, Pesaro also has some gorgeous historical buildings such as the Palazzo Ducale, and a plethora of intriguing museums such as the Morbidelli Motorbike Museum.

3. Pesaro harbour

This harbour has been built on a small island that sits in-between two confluences of the River Cesano.

Access to the harbour is gained from the Panoramica Adriatica Street across a large bridge – from here you can walk towards the sea and admire the various fishing and sailing boats that are situated here.

As you progress there is a series of restaurants and cafes and the Pesaro Boat Club.

If you continue, you can walk onto the pier and see the boats arriving and look out towards the beautiful Adriatic Sea.

4. Castle of Gradara

Source: Kostenko Olga / shutterstock

Gradara Castle

You can find this delightful medieval castle in the small town of Gradara which is approximately 20 minutes by car from Pesaro.

The castle and town is perched on top of a small hill that provides fantastic views across to the Adriatic Sea.

The castle itself was constructed in the 12th century and was originally owned by the Griffo Family.

Today it stands in fantastic condition and most of the original keep remains together with the double ring of outer castle walls.

Furthermore inside the castle several of the staterooms have been restored to their original condition and feature some fantastic artwork, decoration and period furniture.

11. Palazzo Mosca / Musei Civici

The Civic Museum complex of Pesaro is located in the Palazzo Mosca and include the Pinacoteca and the Ceramic Museum.

The Pinacoteca includes a wide selection of artwork from a range of schools including Venetian, Etruscan and Emilian.

Furthermore, the ceramic collection within the museum is extensive and contains works from as early as the Middle Ages ad 16th century.

One of the most famous pieces within the complex is the Pala di Pesaro by the legendary Renaissance painter Giovani Bellini – this is one of his earliest works and is considered to be a piece of great influence.

This museum provides an interesting look at the local artwork and ceramics from Pesaro and surrounding regions.

13. Enjoy breakfast at the Polvere Di Café

If you don’t have breakfast provided at your hotel, why not consider heading to the Polvere Di Café and enjoy their freshly baked selection of pastries, bread and pizza? This café is located on the Via Fratti and is only a short walk from the city centre.

The staff is friendly, the café is charming and the selection of food and drink is second to none.

You can enjoy a wide range of breakfast treats, snacks and fresh juices.

Furthermore later in the day you can enjoy some appetizers, desserts and of course some fantastic Italian Coffee.